CROSBY TOWNSHIP — The small congregation of the Community Baptist Church of Harrison was to meet outside its fire-ravaged church today and pray for God's guidance in the months ahead.

        Pastor Doug Wallin wanted members to see the church, inhale the lingering smells of burnt wood, and know that their faith and unity can help restore themselves as well as the church, 10960 Edgewood Road. A bounty of community support is helping.

        “It's hard to understand that things can come from something bad. But I can tell you, they already have. It's these times that really build your faith,” he said.

        Early Wednesday morning, fire left the basement charred, flames weakened almost half of the floor joists and heavy smoke stained some of the auditorium.

        Causing $50,000 to $100,000 in damage, the fire happened the day that congregation members expected to open the church's doors for vacation Bible school. The congregation formed in 1992 but had just moved into the church last December.

        The Rev. Mr. Wallin remembers picking out the architectural designs and builders for the church, which required two years and about $400,000 to construct. The congregation has about 80 members.

        When about 20 congregation members met Tuesday to prepare the new church for Bible school, they used rags soaked with linseed oil to polish some wooden benches. Afterward, they put the rags in the basement. The Rev. Mr. Wallin believes they were placed in plastic bags and the lack of oxygen caused them to spontaneously combust.

        The alarm system was triggered shortly after midnight, and firefighters soon called the pastor with the dreadful news.

        But the pastor still feels sort of lucky. The church's insurance will pay to restoration the building in three months and his full-time employer, Paul Davis Systems Inc. of Covington restores fire-damaged buildings.

        “We'll be glad to help,” said Bob Cox, one of the co-owners of Paul Davis Systems. “Our business is helping people restore their lives.”

        To help, call 367-5953.

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